US immigration enforcement flights are releasing large amounts of carbon emissions as deportations increase across the United States. New data shows that these flights are now a major source of climate pollution linked to federal immigration operations. According to analysis of federal flight activity, US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) aircraft released about 335,876 tonnes of carbon emissions in 2025. This marks an 88 percent rise compared with the previous year. Early estimates for 2026 suggest that emissions could rise even further if the current pace continues. The rise is linked to a sharp increase in deportation and detention flights under expanded immigration enforcement policies. The Department of Homeland Security Department of Homeland Security oversees these operations and says they are part of standard enforcement efforts. However, human rights groups say the scale of flights has grown rapidly. Researchers at Human Rights First report that immigration enforcement flights have increased by more than 80 percent year over year. They also note that flights now reach a much wider range of global destinations. Experts say about 22 aircraft are involved in enforcement flights each day, carrying out dozens of operations across the country and abroad. These flights include chartered aircraft as well as military and contracted planes used for deportation and detainee transfers. The American Friends Service Committee American Friends Service Committee has estimated emissions using international aviation climate models. Their analysis shows that deportation flights are producing a growing environmental burden. Climate scientists at Stanford University say aircraft emissions contribute both to global warming and local air pollution. Communities near flight hubs such as Phoenix, El Paso, and parts of Louisiana are affected by repeated takeoffs and landings. Experts explain that pollution from aircraft spreads in two ways. Greenhouse gases remain in the atmosphere and contribute to long term warming. Local air pollutants can worsen breathing problems and other health conditions. Advocates say climate change itself can increase migration, creating a cycle where emissions from deportation systems may worsen the very conditions that drive migration. Flight data shows that deportation routes now cover dozens of countries. These include nations in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Some migrants are sent to countries where they have no family or legal ties. Human rights groups also raise concerns about due process. They say some detainees are removed without full legal review and are often separated from their families during transfers. The Department of Homeland Security has defended its practices, saying security measures on flights are necessary to ensure safety. It also stated that restraint methods used during transport are standard procedure. At the same time, immigration enforcement budgets have increased, supporting a larger flight network. Analysts say aircraft now operate more frequently and across longer international routes than in previous years. Researchers warn that the climate impact of these flights is often overlooked. They say emissions estimates may even be lower than the real total because ground operations, airport fuel use, and detention facility energy are not included. Experts argue that each tonne of carbon adds to long term climate damage. They say aviation emissions are especially harmful because they are released at high altitude, where they have a stronger warming effect. The debate over immigration enforcement flights now includes both environmental and human rights concerns. Advocates call for more transparency and better reporting of emissions linked to deportation systems. They also suggest that reducing unnecessary flights could lower emissions while saving public funds. The issue continues to grow as both immigration enforcement and climate impacts increase worldwide.